To bolster the net zero effort in Thailand, NXPO, in collaboration with the Sustainable University Network of Thailand (SUN Thailand) under the auspices of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, held a “Driving Net Zero Campus” seminar on 25 July 2024. The event took place in the Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) from 22-28 July 2024, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.
Moderated by NXPO Director of Sustainability Policy Division Dr. Saravanee Singtong, the seminar featured experts and stakeholders in the Net Zero Campus initiative, including Mr. Panya Warapetcharayut, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Research Center under the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE); Dr. Manop Udomkerdmongkol, Sustainability Expert and Economist at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UN RCO)in Thailand; Mr. Nuttavut Intarode, Director-Sustainable Development at Siam Cement Group (SCG); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitikorn Charmondusit, Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies at Mahidol University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirichai Koonaphapdeelert, Director of Energy Research and Development Institute, Chiang Mai University. Throughout the seminar, the panelists provided insights and recommendations for the Net Zero Campus initiative as follows:
Mr. Panya Warapetcharayut outlined the national strategy, goals, and action plans under the UNFCCC, including Thailand’s NDC Action Plan 2021-2030 and the National Adaptation Plan already approved by the cabinet.
Dr. Manop Udomkerdmongkol discussed sustainability initiatives led by UN agencies, including the development of a green economy, human resource development, inequality reduction, and green finance supporting carbon markets and innovations.
Mr. Nuttavut Intarode shared strategies for green supply chain transition, including mindset action and value creation across sectors. He also highlighted key initiatives and progress in the Saraburi Sandbox project.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitikorn Charmondusit suggested that initial efforts should focus on integrating green initiatives into university policies and emphasized that universities have experts and resources to support the country’s NDC plan and the Climate Change Act. He identified human resource development in carbon accounting and best practices/guidelines as urgent actions for Thailand.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirichai Koonaphapdeelert highlighted the key progress of the Net Zero Campus initiative, aiming to drive actions towards carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions. The initiative plans to develop a greenhouse gas database, design an energy model, and produce a white paper and policy recommendations for the Net Zero Campus.
Panelists also highlighted their current activities contributing to the Net Zero Campus and suggested potential collaborations. DCCE’s current projects include CCE Youth, Green Production and Green Citizen, raising awareness among students and the public. The UN RCO offered experts to lecture at universities on sustainability initiatives in international organizations. Industry representatives emphasized the vital roles of universities in driving this transition and fostering regenerative cultures.
This event was attended by key executives and representatives from relevant agencies. Audience members were introduced to the digital platform for collecting greenhouse gas data from universities. The platform can be accessed at: www.netzerocampus.org.
